Impact of Transplant Age on the Yield and Yield Contributing Characteristics of Cherry Tomato Varieties (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme)

Cherry tomatoes are a high-value crop with growing demand. This research focused on identifying the ideal seedling age for transplanting and evaluating the most productive variety of cherry tomatoes in terms of yield during winter in Gazipur district, Bangladesh, with a specific emphasis on local environmental adaptation. The experiment, designed as a two-factor study focusing on seedling age and variety, was organized using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Seedlings of varying ages (21, 28, 35, and 42 days) along with two cherry tomato varieties (red and yellow) were used in the study. All experimental plots were transplanted based on the seedling age concurrently. Data analysis involved conducting a two-way ANOVA to assess the relationship between seedling age and variety using R statistical software. Mean separation was performed using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% significance level. The interaction between variety and seedling age had a significant impact (P< 0.05) on fruit yield and other traits of cherry tomatoes. The highest average yield per hectare (39.37 t/ha) was observed in the 28-day-old seedlings of the red cherry tomato. This result was attributed to a higher number of fruits per plant (141.25) and greater individual fruit weight (7.08g). Among the varieties, the red cherry tomato exhibited superior plant height, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant, and yield per hectare. So, it may be concluded that transplanting of cherry tomato seedlings at approximately 28 days old is optimal for achieving higher yield during winter in Gazipur district of Bangladesh.